Oilers Nation has had little to cheer about this season, but today’s announcement that hot prospect Jordan Eberle has been assigned to the club’s AHL farm team is certainly something to chirp about.

Eberle, 19, who starred for Team Canada in back-to-back International Junior Championships, got the call from Oilers GM Steve Tambellini yesterday, following the elimination of his Regina Pats WHL team from playoff contention.

A lot is riding on Eberle’s continued growth for this struggling franchise, a pressure the young gun seems to relish. A native of Saskatchewan, Eberle compiled some impressive numbers for The Pats throughout the 2009-10 campaign, pouring in 50 goals and 56 assists in 57 games – and falling only one point shy of claiming the WHL’s regular season scoring title!

This is Jordan’s second stint with the AHL Springfield Falcons. Last season, Eberle scored three goals and six assists during his time with the baby Oilers.

Listening to the rising hockey star, you get the sense Eberle felt he deserved a spot with the parent club last season. Nonetheless, Oiler fans might even catch a glimpse of Eberle, a key piece to the future for the copper and blue. It wouldn’t surprise me, should all go well with his most recent call up to Springfield, that Eberle receives another call from Tambo, requesting Jordan’s presence in Edmonton befpre the conclusion of the NHL team’s 2010 campaign.

Regardless, he’ll have the entire summer to pack on some beef, as he prepares to lay claim to a permanent spot in the Oilers’ lineup next year.

Meanwhile, the Oilers will continue their quest for the first overall pick tonight, as they go head-to-head with the Minnesota Wild.

Remember to keep your sticks on the ice Oiler fans!

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Written by Scott Pattison
Scott is an award-winning sports writer whose career spans more than 20 years. He's proudly covered the Oilers since moving to the Alberta capital in 2000.